…and so here we are, India’s 66th Independence Day.
No different than previous year and the year before and then the year before. More of the same: Out of control inflation, Increasing IPL popularity, Record breaking corruption scandals, Blockbuster Masala Bollywood movies, below par economic growth, emerging of one more ‘public leader’, ever increasing social issues. But no matter what, Indians will always find a way to smile and survive another day.
We Indians are like water, no matter how much the external environment changes, we always find a way to compromise. We strive to live our lives adjusting to the boundaries that we are confined to- Political boundaries, social boundaries, economic boundaries, cultural boundaries.
Not all is as bad as it sounds or looks. After all I am an Indian (and an American!!) and I always find the glass half full.
We have the highly educated and the best human being as our Prime minister,
But he is handicap by the corrupt political system.
Our IT industry is growing at a double digit growth rate, with over $100B in revenues,
But the economic bureaucracy and babuism is limiting there even higher growth potential.
Gujarat has become a symbol of political pluralism and economic capitalism,
But political party lines and muddled national political scene makes it harder for a few remaining political reformers to follow its example.
Indian cricket has become a global phenomenon thanks to IPL, (and BCCI!!)
But since cricket is hogging all the spot light and eyeballs, other sports are paying the price. No wonder our participation in Olympics is limited to 2-3 medals.
India’s film industry has spread India’s cultural reach to all the corners of the world,
But…can’t think of any ‘but’. Adore Indian movies…Bole to Ekdam Jhakaas!!
India is the largest democracy in the world,
But is it a ‘working’ democracy?
India’s most famous son, Mahatma Gandhi gave the world the gift of Nonviolence,
But over 30% of today’s ‘elected’ leaders have criminal cases registered against them.
India grew at a compounded rate of 6% since economic liberalization of 1991, to become the 10th largest economy in the world,
But our per capita income is less than $1,500 and the poverty rate is still around 25%.
India telecom sector is the third largest in the world with over 900 million mobile users,
But are we connected with our fellow Indians from North-East?
(I bet most of us won’t be able to name the NE statesL)
We are building the world’s tallest residential building,
But also house the largest slums.
I guess this is the beauty of India, Comingling of Contrasts.
This is how our DNA’s are designed. We laugh at any opportunity we get for they are few and far in-between. We earn, we save and spend from what little remains. We take pride in every little thing for we have worked hard for it. Government for us is not a means of convenience, but a mode of disturbance. We accept that we do live in a caste system, but that is what makes our culture more vibrant and colorful.
Somehow we came this far and I am sure we will eventually see a better ‘tomorrow’. Or should I say a day will come when we all will talk about ‘today’ and for once not think about ‘tomorrow’.
Till then, for the better tomorrow…
Happy Birthday, India!!
